Manchester City exit ‘one step away’ – Pep Guardiola ‘will not use him’ for rest of season

A few days ago, Corriere della Sera reported that Lazio is talking to Manchester City about a potential loan move for Claudio Echeverri in the upcoming summer transfer window. The 19-year-old player was seen at a restaurant near Lazio’s training center, sparking rumors of his potential transfer to the Serie A side.
However, on Thursday, Corriere dello Sport quickly dismissed these reports. They stated that Lazio had no active negotiations for Echeverri and that his presence in Rome was merely a coincidence. This report contradicted earlier claims, suggesting that Lazio was in talks to sign him.
In the meantime, TyC Sports, a reliable sports media outlet, reported that the Manchester City player is likely to be loaned out to Girona for the next season. This could mean that the talented young player might spend some time in La Liga, furthering his development.
Manchester City signed Echeverri from River Plate in January 2024. However, they decided to send him back on loan to River Plate until the end of the last year. The young attacking midfielder also represented Argentina in the 2025 South American U20 Championship. After the tournament, he returned to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium last month.
Despite his return to Manchester City, Echeverri has yet to make an appearance for the senior team or the youth team. This has raised questions about his future at the club. To ensure he continues developing and gaining valuable playing time, Manchester City has decided to loan him out to Girona.
TyC Sports further stated that Echeverri is very close to finalizing the loan move to Girona. The transfer would likely happen during the upcoming summer window, meaning that Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, will not use the player for the remainder of the current season. Guardiola has already decided not to involve Echeverri in any matches for the rest of the campaign.
This decision seems to be part of Manchester City’s long-term planning for the player’s growth. Sending him to Girona, a La Liga club, offers him the opportunity to gain more experience in a competitive European league. Girona could provide him with regular playing time, something that might not be possible for him at Manchester City in the short term, given the current depth of the squad.
The news of Echeverri’s impending loan move has drawn attention because of the player’s potential and the strong interest from multiple clubs. The Argentine talent had been on the radar of several European clubs, but it appears that Girona is the most likely destination for him.
It is important to note that this move will not be the first time that Manchester City has loaned out a player to Girona. The Premier League club and the Spanish club have had a relationship in the past, with other players making similar moves. This kind of partnership allows Manchester City to develop its young talents while giving them the chance to play in a competitive environment.
For Echeverri, the loan to Girona could prove to be an important step in his career. La Liga is known for its technical style of play, and playing in such a league could help him improve his skills and gain more confidence. It is also a great opportunity for him to get accustomed to the demands of European football.
From a Manchester City perspective, the loan move is likely seen as beneficial for both parties. City gets the chance to keep Echeverri on their books while giving him the chance to develop. Girona, on the other hand, gets a talented young player who could make a significant impact in their squad.
It is still unclear what the future holds for Echeverri after his loan spell at Girona. However, it is widely believed that if he performs well in Spain, Manchester City will closely monitor his progress. A successful stint in La Liga could lead to a brighter future for Echeverri, possibly even with a more prominent role at Manchester City in the coming years.
Despite not playing for Manchester City this season, Echeverri’s potential remains high. His performances in the South American U20 Championship caught the attention of scouts, and his development over the next season will likely shape his future. If he excels in Spain, it could open doors to more opportunities, either at Manchester City or elsewhere.
In conclusion, the young Argentine player, Claudio Echeverri, is set to be loaned out to Girona for the 2025-2026 season. While he has not featured for Manchester City yet, the loan move presents a valuable chance for him to develop and gain experience. It also helps Manchester City maintain control of the player’s development while providing him with the opportunity to play regular first-team football. Whether this loan move leads to a permanent role at Manchester City in the future remains to be seen, but it is certainly an important step in Echeverri’s career.